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Experience Ingonish

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is known for its spectacular highlands and ocean scenery. The Cape Breton Highlands are the most striking feature of northern Cape Breton. Steep cliffs and deep river canyons carve into a forested plateau bordering the Atlantic Ocean. One third of the Cabot trail, a world-famous scenic highway, runs through the national park along the coasts and over the highlands.

Established in 1936, the National Park covers 950 square kilometres, protecting about 20% of northern Cape Breton. It is one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Nova Scotia and is one of a system of national parks protecting outstanding Canadian landscapes.

The cool maritime climate and rugged landscape of the park permit a unique blend of Acadian, Boreal and Taiga habitats, plants and animals. This special mix of northern and southern species is not found anywhere else in Canada. Within the park, several dozen species of rare or threatened plants and animals can be found, as well as old growth forests of international importance. Small populations of arctic-alpine plants left over from the last ice age can also be found here.

Join us for one of our special events throughout the year.Listed are the weekly events taking place for the 2012 yearSUNDAYS

ChéticampSkyline Sunset Hike (Bilingual)Time: 2 hrs before sunsetLocation: Trailhead of Skyline trailDuration: 2.5 – 3 hrsCost: $14.70Specialinstructions:Recommended for visitors 12 yrs of age +. Visitors must pre-register at campground kiosks orvisitor centres.Description:Immerse yourself in nature’s masterpiece where the mountains truly meet the sea. You will be led through the boreal forest to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean 400 metres below. Don’t forget your camera: bald eagles, moose and whales often make an appearance.

IngonishMiddle Head HikeTime: 10 amLocation: Hike begins at Middle Head trailheadDuration: 1 – 1.5 hourCost: included with entry feeDescription:Be inspired by the beauty of the coastline on a 4 km interpretive hike along the stunning, rugged Middle Head Peninsula, home of the Keltic Lodge and Highlands Links golf course.

Coyotes Among UsTime: 9 pm in July 8:30 pm in AugLocation: Broad Cove Campground Outdoor TheatreDuration: 1 hrCost: included with entry feeDescription:This presentation sheds some light on these elusive creatures and helps us to find our place in nature and enjoy the park safely and responsibly.

MONDAYS

ChéticampCoyotes Among UsTime: 8 pmLocation: Chéticamp Campground Outdoor TheatreDuration: 1 hrCost: included with entry feeDescription:This presentation seeks to shed some light on the elusive creature and help us to find our place in nature by enjoying the park safely, responsibly and without fear.

Ingonish:Middle Head HikeTime: 10 amLocation:Hike begins at Middle Head trailheadDuration: 1 – 1.5 hourCost: included with entry feeDescription:Be inspired by the beauty of the coastline on a 4 km interpretive hike along the stunning, rugged Middle Head Peninsula, home of the Keltic Lodge and Highlands Links golf course.

Seeing in the Dark Night HikeTime: 8:30 pm in July 8 pm in AugustLocation:Warren Lake trailheadDuration: 2.5 hoursCost: $14.70 per personSpecialInstructions:Recommended for visitors 12 yrs of age +. Visitors must pre-register at either visitor centres or campground kiosks. Space is limited.Description:Enjoy a transformative experience as you explore the night in a place where it truly gets dark. While being guided through the woods, the absence of artificial light challenges visitors to step outside their usual comfort zone and learn how to use their other senses during a journey into the nocturnal world.

TUESDAYS

ChéticampA Taste of l’AcadieTime: 8 pmLocation: Cooking shelter beside Chéticamp Visitor CentreDuration: 1 to 1.5 hrsCost: included with entry feeDescription:Experience Acadian culture that lives on in Chéticamp! You’ll feel the pride of the Acadian people as you hear about the hardships they overcame and their innovative ways of living off the land. Songs and laughter guaranteed!

IngonishMiddle Head HikeTime: 10 amLocation: Hike begins at Middle Head trailheadDuration: 1 – 1.5 hourCost: included with entry feeDescription:Be inspired by the beauty of the coastline on a 4 km interpretive hike along the stunning, rugged Middle Head Peninsula, home of the Keltic Lodge and Highlands Links golf course.

Seeing in the Dark Night HikeTime: 8:30 pm in July 8 pm in AugustLocation: Warren Lake trailheadDuration: 2.5 hoursCost: $14.70 per personSpecialInstructions: Recommended for visitors 12 yrs of age +. Visitors must pre-register at either visitor centres or campground kiosks. Space is limited.Description: Enjoy a transformative experience as you explore the night in a place where it truly gets dark. While being guided through the woods, the absence of artificial light challenges visitors to step outside their usual comfort zone and learn how to use their other senses during a journey into the nocturnal world.

WEDNESDAYS

ChéticampSkyline Sunset Hike (Bilingual)Time: 2 hrs before sunsetLocation: Trailhead of Skyline trailDuration: min 2.5 hrsCost: $14.70Specialinstructions:Recommended for visitors 12 yrs of age +. Visitors must pre-register at campground kiosks or visitor centres.Description:Immerse yourself in nature’s masterpiece where the mountains truly meet the sea. You will be led through the boreal forest to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean 400 metres below. Don’t forget your camera: bald eagles, moose and whales often make an appearance.

IngonishMiddle Head HikeTime: 10 amLocation: Hike begins at Middle Head trailheadDuration: 1 – 1.5 hourCost: included with entry feeDescription: Be inspired by the beauty of the coastline on a 4 km interpretive hike along the stunning, rugged Middle Head Peninsula, home of the Keltic Lodge and Highlands Links golf course.

Campfire ProgramTime: 8 pmLocation: Broad Cove Campground beach – meet at benches in parking lot near beachDuration: 2 hrsCost: included with entry feeDescription:Awaken your senses in a stellar ocean setting. During a peaceful walk down the beach you will discover how this natural treasure came to be. Bring a chair or blanket and sit by the fire as you allow the tales from the past to spark your imagination.

THURSDAYS

ChéticampGaelic Milling Frolic (Eng program)Time: 8 pmLocation: Chéticamp Visitor CentreDuration: 1 hourCost: $5.00Description:Join Gaelic singers Geoffrey and Rebecca-Lynne for an entertaining evening exploring the Gaelic culture through songs. The whole family will be swept away by the rhythm of this hands- on "milling frolic".

Les coyotes parmis nous (French program)Time: 8 pmLocation: Chéticamp Campground Outdoor TheatreDuration: 1 hourCost: included with entry feeDescription: This presentation seeks to shed some light on the elusive creature and help us to find our place in nature by enjoying the park safely, responsibly and without fear.

IngonishMiddle Head HikeTime: 10 amLocation: Hike begins at Middle Head trailheadDuration: 1 – 1.5 hourCost: included with entry feeDescription: Be inspired by the beauty of the coastline on a 4 km interpretive hike along the stunning, rugged Middle Head Peninsula, home of the Keltic Lodge and Highlands Links golf course.

Description: Recommended for visitors 12 yrs of age +. Visitors must pre-register at either visitor centres or campground kiosks. Space is limited.As the darkness creeps in, listen for the haunting call of the loon, or will it be one of Ingonish’s ghosts? As the moonbeams glisten on the lake you will become spellbound by the tales of this place.

FRIDAYS

Chéticamp Skyline Sunset Hike (Bilingual)Time: 2 hrs before sunsetLocation: Trailhead of Skyline trailDuration: min 2.5 hrsCost: $14.70Specialinstructions: Recommended for visitors 12 yrs of age +. Visitors must pre-register at campground kiosks or visitor centres.Description:Immerse yourself in nature’s masterpiece where the mountains truly meet the sea. You will bem led through the boreal forest to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean 400 metres below. Don’t forget your camera: bald eagles, moose and whales often make an appearance.

IngonishMiddle Head HikeTime: 10 amLocation: Hike begins at Middle Head trailheadDuration: 1 – 1.5 hourCost: included with entry feeDescription: Be inspired by the beauty of the coastline on a 4 km interpretive hike along the stunning, rugged Middle Head Peninsula, home of the Keltic Lodge and Highlands Links golf course.

Nature Film NightTime:9 pm in July8:30 pm in Aug

Location: Broad Cove Campground Outdoor Theatre

Duration: 1.5 – 2 hrsCost: included with entry feeDescription: This magical outdoor setting is a perfect place to relax with your family and discover nature’s secrets.

IngonishMiddle Head HikeTime: 10 amLocation: Hike begins at Middle Head trailheadDuration: 1 – 1.5 hourCost: included with entry feeDescription: Be inspired by the beauty of the coastline on a 4 km interpretive hike along the stunning, rugged Middle Head Peninsula, home of the Keltic Lodge and Highlands Links golf course.

Haunted HikeTime: 8:30 pm in July8 pm in August

Location: Ingonish Beach day use area – meet in parking lot

Duration: 2 hrsCost: $14.70SpecialInstructions:

Description: Recommended for visitors 12 yrs of age +. Visitors must pre-register at either visitor centres or campground kiosks. Space is limited.As the darkness creeps in, listen for the haunting call of the loon, or will it be one of Ingonish’s ghosts? As the moonbeams glisten on the lake you will become spellbound by the tales of this place.

Pick of the WeekTime: 9 pm in July 8:30 pm in AugustLocation: Broad Cove Campground Outdoor TheatreDuration: 1 hourCost: included with entry feeDescription: Enjoy presentations by various guest speakers in a magical outdoor setting.